 The Office of Intercultural Relations helps Mennonite Church USA to minister to, include and receive the ministry gifts of Racial/Ethnic people; facilitates communication among Racial/Ethnic people and between Racial/Ethnic people and others; and ensures Racial/Ethnic people have equal access and opportunity in Mennonite Church USA. The name “Intercultural Relations” reflects the cultures in relationship with each other and the relating between the parts of the Church (congregations, conferences, agencies, Executive Board staff, and institutions) and the various cultures, races and ethnicities.
1 Corinthians 12:18-27 guided the staff and reference committee in the development of this office. We are seeking to be a church that is not designed primarily to benefit the dominant culture but one that equally serves the whole body. Mennonite Church USA is committed to becoming an anti-racist church that fully embraces its racial/ethnic diversity.
The Office of Intercultural Relations will seek to ensure that:
- Racial/Ethnic people are an integral part of the Church and are served in an authentic manner within the Church
- Racial/Ethnic people are familiar with Mennonite Church USA’s system and are tapping into available resources, as well as being a resource to the denomination
- Channels are provided for Racial/Ethnic people to influence the creation of new ministries, programs and entities churchwide
- Racial/Ethnic congregations are strong and viable
- Strong connections exist between Racial/Ethnic congregations, their conferences and the denominational agencies and offices
- A more significant number of Racial/Ethnic people are serving in employment and leadership positions within Mennonite Church USA
- Mennonite Church USA develops and maintains direct accountability and mutual relationships of trust with Racial/Ethnic people in the Church
- Associate/Constituent groups have parity with other ministries in the Church
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